LIJ Forest Hills unveils meditation room

After several years in the making, Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital unveiled its meditation room on Friday.
Hospital CEO Susan Browning first started discussing the possibility of the meditation room at a meeting with local leaders of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities nearly a decade ago.

“It was my favorite meeting of my entire career, because it was so amazing to watch the plans come together,” Browning said. “Caring for a patient is so important, and it’s about all of the aspects that we put into care, including spiritual balance.”

The meditation room is open to everyone and located just steps from the lobby.

“The meditation room looks immense,” said Rabbi Eli Blokh of the Chabad of Rego Park. “I think it is probably one of the most important spaces in the hospital. I like the way it is open to everybody regardless of faith and that it’s located on the ground floor, which makes is accessible for everyone.”

Reverend Radu Titonea, the hospital’s chaplain manager, said it was his dream nine years ago to have a meditation room where people can find peace.

“This is a sacred space and what we want to have for people who need it,” Titonea said. “The staff kept asking me ‘when is the meditation room going to come.’ Well, it’s here.”